Istanbul Gears Up for Ramadan with Traditional Drumming Rituals

The city of Istanbul is set to embrace the spirit of Ramadan with its traditional drumming rituals, as confirmed by Selami Aykut, the chairperson of the Mukhtar’s association. Aykut, leading a federation of mukhtars in Istanbul, stated that the age-old practice of drumming to wake people before sahur during the holy month of Ramadan will be continued this year, with over 3,350 drummers expected to take to the streets.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Aykut underscored the significance of the customs and traditions associated with Ramadan, referring to it as the sultan of the eleven months. He emphasized the cultural importance of waking up for sahur with drums, a tradition that dates back to the Ottoman era, bringing joy to citizens and fostering a sense of community.

Aykut highlighted the preparedness of the drummers for their duties during Ramadan, mentioning that they have undergone training under the guidance of mukhtars. He mentioned that the drummers, after careful selection based on specific criteria, are eagerly awaiting the commencement of Ramadan, geared up to fulfill their role in waking people for sahur.

The meticulous approach in selecting the drummers, according to Aykut, includes factors like their residency in the neighborhood where they perform, prior experience in the same area, and adherence to traditional attire befitting the cultural ambiance of Ramadan. Aykut expressed the enthusiasm of the drummers for the upcoming month, revealing that approximately 3,350 of them will be stationed across the city’s 964 neighborhoods.

Bringing a festive air to the streets, the drumming tradition is viewed as a vital part of the cultural tapestry of Istanbul during Ramadan. Aykut expressed the joy of contributing to the preservation of this age-old practice and the excitement among the drummers as they gear up to continue this cherished tradition.